In 2018, investment in the north-west of England reached £3.17bn, which is the highest level since 2007.
Lambert Smith Hampton, a commercial real estate consultancy, recently released the latest UK Investment Transactions report. The data revealed that every region of the UK saw above average investment volume in 2018, showing the resilience of the property sector through economic and political uncertainty.
The north-west continues to be an investment hotspot
Ending 2018 on a high, the north-west recorded £1bn of property investment deals in the final quarter. This was the second-best regional performance in the UK with the north-west only being beat out by the south-east. As the West and East Midlands came in at third and fourth, investors are predicted to set sights on not only the north in 2019 but the Midlands as well.
Ben Roberts, director of capital markets for Lambert Smith Hampton in the north-west, stated: “2018’s performance shows that despite ongoing political and economic uncertainty, the north-west is still a very attractive market. In the final quarter of last year, overseas investors were hot on the heels of UK institutions, investing a total £323m compared with the institutions at £453m.”
Overseas investors seek investments in the north-west
Overseas investment in the UK reached £8.1bn for the final quarter of 2018, which was 16% above the five-year quarterly average. During 2018, investment from overseas reached £27.9bn, sitting 33% higher than the 10-year annual average. As usual, the highest volume came from the Far East with £4.8bn in Q4.
Manchester and the north-west of England has seen a surge in investment from Asia and the Far East due to direct flights to and from China and India. Further UK property investment, especially in the north, is expected to continue coming from Far Eastern and other Asian investors.
Annual investment in the UK from North America has dropped to its lowest number in six years. However, Liverpool has recently seen a rise in interest from US investors. With house prices rising but still affordable, Liverpool is viewed as an attractive investment opportunity.
Liverpool and Manchester have seen extensive growth in the property sector, and both cities are expected to continue to be hotspots for British and overseas investors looking for high-yielding buy-to-lets.
